Following Caitlin Clark's announcement of her intention to enter the WNBA draft, the Indiana Fever's ticket offices experienced a surge in activity. Pacers Sports and Entertainment noted a significant increase in ticket inquiries, attributing it to the online and social media buzz surrounding Clark's decision.
The Fever, who ranked second-to-last in attendance last season, averaging 4,067 fans per home game, are hopeful that selecting the Iowa star with the No. 1 overall pick will provide a much-needed boost to the franchise.
Clark, a senior standout for the Hawkeyes, has been setting records and is on the verge of becoming the top-scoring player in NCAA history, regardless of gender. Her exceptional skills, including deep 3-point shooting and ballhandling, have generated unprecedented interest in women's basketball.
The upcoming WNBA draft on April 15 has fans eagerly anticipating the Fever's potential selection of Clark, with ticket sales already on the rise not only in Indiana but also in Connecticut. The Connecticut Sun saw a surge in ticket purchases for their season opener against the Fever, with nearly 800 tickets sold in just 24 hours.
Clark's impact extends beyond Indiana and Connecticut, as Las Vegas, the league leader in attendance last year, has also experienced increased season ticket sales since her draft announcement. ESPN, recognizing the growing excitement around Clark, is expected to feature more Fever games this season after broadcasting only one game last year.
With Clark's popularity driving interest in women's basketball to new heights, WNBA teams can anticipate strong ticket sales for Fever games, given her track record of selling out road games and commanding high ticket prices for college matchups.
Analysts and team officials alike acknowledge the unparalleled excitement and anticipation surrounding Clark's WNBA debut, with her potential to revolutionize the league's viewership and fan engagement.
